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Genesis 35:3 - Return to God's answered prayers

Genesis 35:3 - בראשית 35:3

Hebrew Text

וְנָקוּמָה וְנַעֲלֶה בֵּית־אֵל וְאֶעֱשֶׂה־שָּׁם מִזְבֵּחַ לָאֵל הָעֹנֶה אֹתִי בְּיוֹם צָרָתִי וַיְהִי עִמָּדִי בַּדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר הָלָכְתִּי׃

English Translation

and let us arise, and go up to Bet-el; and I will make there an altar to God, Who answers me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way on which I went.

Transliteration

Venakuma vena'aleh beit-el ve'e'eseh-sham mizbe'ach la'el ha'oneh oti beyom tzarati vayehi imadi baderech asher halachti.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָק֥וּמָה וְנַעֲלֶ֖ה בֵּֽית־אֵ֑ל וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה־שָּׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֗חַ לָאֵ֞ל הָעֹנֶ֤ה אֹתִי֙ בְּי֣וֹם צָֽרָתִ֔י וַֽיְהִי֙ עִמָּדִ֔י בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָלָֽכְתִּי׃
וְנָק֥וּמָה וְנַעֲלֶ֖ה בֵּֽית־אֵ֑ל וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה־שָּׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֗חַ לָאֵ֞ל הָעֹנֶ֤ה אֹתִי֙ בְּי֣וֹם צָֽרָתִ֔י וַֽיְהִי֙ עִמָּדִ֔י בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָלָֽכְתִּי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 35:3) is part of Yaakov Avinu's instruction to his household as he prepares to return to Beit El, where he had previously experienced a divine revelation (Genesis 28:10-22). After the troubling incident with Dinah in Shechem (Genesis 34), Yaakov seeks to spiritually elevate his family by returning to the place where he first encountered Hashem's presence.

Yaakov's Call to Spiritual Renewal

The phrase "וְנָקוּמָה וְנַעֲלֶה בֵּית־אֵל" ("let us arise and go up to Beit El") reflects Yaakov's desire for both physical and spiritual ascent. Rashi explains that the term "וְנָקוּמָה" implies urgency in repentance and spiritual awakening, while "וְנַעֲלֶה" suggests elevation in holiness. Beit El, meaning "House of God," represents a place of divine connection, and Yaakov seeks to return his family to this sacred space after their trials in Shechem.

The Altar and Divine Providence

Yaakov declares his intention to build an altar to "הָאֵל הָעֹנֶה אֹתִי בְּיוֹם צָרָתִי" ("the God Who answers me in the day of my distress"). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 81:2) notes that this refers to Hashem's protection during Yaakov's difficult encounters with Lavan and Esav. The altar serves as both gratitude for past salvation and a plea for future divine assistance.

Hashem's Constant Presence

The concluding phrase "וַיְהִי עִמָּדִי בַּדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר הָלָכְתִּי" ("and was with me in the way on which I went") emphasizes divine providence throughout Yaakov's journey. Ramban explains that this acknowledges Hashem's unwavering protection, even when Yaakov was unaware of it (as in his flight from Esav). The Sforno adds that this recognition motivates Yaakov to lead his family in renewed dedication to Hashem.

Practical Lessons from the Verse

  • Gratitude in Worship: Yaakov models how prayer and sacrifice should include recognition of past divine kindness.
  • Communal Responsibility: His use of plural language ("let us arise") teaches that spiritual growth must involve one's entire household.
  • Sacred Places: The return to Beit El demonstrates the lasting spiritual significance of places where one encounters the divine.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Bet-el' mean in Genesis 35:3?
A: Bet-el (בֵּית־אֵל) means 'House of God.' It was the place where Jacob first encountered God in a dream (Genesis 28:10-22). Here, Jacob returns to fulfill his vow to build an altar to God if he returned safely to his homeland.
Q: Why did Jacob want to build an altar at Bet-el?
A: Jacob wanted to build an altar at Bet-el to express gratitude to God for protecting him during his journey and answering his prayers in times of distress. This was also in fulfillment of the vow he made earlier (Genesis 28:20-22). Rashi explains that Jacob recognized God’s constant presence and wanted to acknowledge it with a sacred act of worship.
Q: What does 'Who answers me in the day of my distress' teach us?
A: This phrase teaches us that God listens to our prayers, especially in difficult times. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) highlights that Jacob acknowledged God’s help during his struggles with Laban and Esau. It reminds us to turn to God in prayer during hardships and to recognize His providence in our lives.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of gratitude and keeping our promises to God. Just as Jacob returned to Bet-el to fulfill his vow, we should also remember to thank God for His kindness and remain faithful to our commitments. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) emphasizes that recognizing God’s help strengthens our relationship with Him.
Q: Why is Bet-el significant in Jewish tradition?
A: Bet-el is significant because it was a place of divine revelation, where Jacob first encountered God and received the promise of protection and descendants (Genesis 28:10-22). Later, it became a central site for worship before the Temple was built in Jerusalem. The Talmud (Megillah 18a) discusses its holiness as a place where God’s presence was strongly felt.